Building owner cited for code violations before Old Port fire

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Before his Old Port property burned early Thursday morning, the City of Portland cited building owner Joe Soley for 11 code violations in April, according to city spokesperson Nicole Clegg.

The violations included missing smoke detectors and inadequate exits from the building on the 400 block of Fore Street.

The city had been trying to reach Soley for months.

It's not the first time Soley has come under fire for the condition of his buildings.

In 2009, several of his Old Port tenants faced eviction due to fire code violations.

Attempts to reach Soley for comment Friday were unsuccessful.

Fire investigators continue to investigate the cause and extent of the damages.

Clegg said the fire department needs to inspect gas lines and other damaged parts of the building before allowing business owners to return.